Recording, indicating, and regulating device



Dec. 19, 1933. R. E. LsoN RECQRDING, INDI.C`AT1NG,AND REGULATI-NGDEVICE r11-led Jangz, 1932 Patented Dec. 19,' 1933 UNITED STATES PATENTl OFFICE RECORDING,

INDICATING, AND

Taylor Instrument Companies, Rochester,

N. Y., a corporation of New York Application January 2, 1932. Serial No. 584,355

8 Claims. (Cl. 236-46) This invention relates to a combined recording, indicating and regulating device.

In certain industrial processes, it is highly desirable to regulate the introduction of heat or pressure into a chamber or retort during a predeterminedinterval, and at the conclusion of the interval to introduce into said chamber a cooling medium. In addition, it is also desirable to indicate the temperature or pressure existing 10 within the chamber and to record this temperature or pressure indication on a chart actuated in accordance with time.

In the past, when it was desired to accomplish all of these operations, it was customary to provide clockmechanism to actuate the recording and indicating device and to provide a separate clock mechanism for measuring the period during which the regulated heating or pressure mediurn was introduced into the chamber and for introducing the cooling medium therein at the conclusion of the measured period.

In accordance with the present invention, a combined recording, indicating and regulating device is provided in which a single clock mechanism drives the chart of the indicating recorder and also serves to measure the period during which a heating or pressure medium is introduced into the treating chamber and, in addition, to introduce a cooling medium into the chamber at the conclusion of the predetermined interval. v

An additional feature of the invention relates to a single 4controlling mechanism including a nozzle and a cooperating baie which serves to control a regulating valve whereby the proper amount of heat-regulating or pressure-regulating medium is introduced into the chamber during a predetermined period and at the conclusion of the period the said medium is cut off from the chamber.

A further feature of the invention exists in the provision of a regulating device with two independent valves the operation of each of which is eiected by a nozzle and a cooperating baffle, which baiiies are actuated at the conclusion of a predetermined time interval by two spaced radial arms arranged to be actuated in accordance with time.

In accordance with a still further feature of the invention, a novel time-actuated switch is provided for closing an alarm circuit at the conclusion of a predetermined interval, the switch being so constructed that it will operate positively at the conclusion of the predetermined period, even if the regulating and recording device is not carefully mounted.

Referring to the drawing Fig. 1 is a front view of a combined recording, indicating and regulating device of the present invention; Fig. 2 is 60 an enlarged detail View of one of the baffle supports and baie actuating mechanisms of a portion of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a View of the same mechanism looking from the top of the device as shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the 65 bafe actuating arm and the trigger arm shown in slightly disassembled position; Fig. 5 is a sectional view partially in section of the pilot valve mechanism employed in the device of Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a detail view partially in cross-sec- 70 tion of a cushioned stop for the baie actuating arm.

Referring to Fig. 1, 4 designates an instrument casing in which there is' mounted electric clock mechanism including an electric motor 6 and a 75 train of gears (not shown) serving' to drive an arbor 7. This arbor carries a chart support and chart 8 forming part of a recording device to bev further described. There is also frictionally mountedY on the arbor 7, a rhub provided with two radially spaced arms 9 and 10. In addition, there is also loosely'mounted for rotation on the arbor '7, a radial stop arm 11 having an outstanding stop at one`-end and an extension 12 at the opposite side of the arbor. This extension is provided with a swivel nut 13 engaging a threaded shaft 14 which is supported horizontally in the casing and which terminates in a square head 15. A key 16 is insertable through anopening in a wall of the casing and engages the square head 15 so that the threaded shaft and swivel nut may rotate stop arm 11 through any desired arc to determine the time interval of ,the device as indicated by the time interval`\sca1e 16, a part of which only is shown.

It will be understood that as the arbor i rotates, in response to the operation of the motor and the intervening train of gears, the spaced arms 9 and 10 are moved in a counter-clockwise direction until the pointer 17 on` arm 9 isY op- 100 posite the zero indication on the scale 16, thereby indicating that the predetermined time interval has been completed. It will be noted that the arms9 and 10 may be reset to indicate the beginning of another time interval, since the arm 105 10 is resiliently connected through the spring 18 to a handle 91 which projects through the bottom of the casing 4. The spring connection between the handle 91 and the pair of arms 9 and l0 ensures that these arms may be adjusted 110 to the proper position `to bring arm 9 against the stop on stop arm 11 without injuring the clock mechanism, since the stop 92 on the handle 91 engages the inner surface of the wall of the casing 4 to prevent an abnormal pull on the handle from being transmitted to the pair of arms.

In the foregoing part of this description, it has been mentioned that a chart support and chart 8 are provided as part of an indicating recorder. This recorder includes a pen arm 19 which is pivoted on the casing at 20 and which is actuated by a link 21 connected at one end to this pen arm and at its other end to the free end of a Bourdon spring 22. The other end of this spring is connected to a capillary 23 leading to bulb 24 (containing a heat or pressure responsive medium) or other similar indicating device placed in a chamber or retort,y the temperature or pressure of which is to be regulated. The pen arm at its end remote from the stylus or the pen 19' is provided with an extension beyond the pivot 20, to which extension a link 25 is pivotally connectedby the pin 26. This link is also pivoted at 27 to a baille-supporting arm 28 which is pivoted at 29. It should be noted that the springs 60 draw the pivots 26 and 27 into the right-hand ends of the slots in the link 25 to prevent lost motion in the linkage. By the system of linkage just described, the Bourdon spring not only actuates the pen arm 19, but also moves the baille-supporting arm 28 on the pivot 29 either clockwise or counter-clockwise through a limited arc.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the baille-supporting arm 28 has pivotally mounted thereon at 43 a baille 30 arranged at one side to engage the rigid adjustable stop 3,1 and the nozzle 32 and at its other side to engage the cushioned adjustable stop'82. In detail this stop includes a threaded sleeve 83 through which there passes a pin 84 having near one end a fixed shoulder 85 and a head 86, a spiral spring 87 engaging the shoulder 85 and the end of the sleeve 83 holds the pin 84 normally in the position shown. By this arrangement the baille 30 may be moved away from its related nozzle 32 to ensure a proper opening of the nozzle at the conclusion of the regulated period irrespective of the position of the b atlle 30 at the time that this operation takes place. From the foregoing it will be noted that as the baille supporting arm 28 is moved counterclockwise, the stop 31 engages the upper end of the baille 30 and swings its lower end against the opening in the nozzle 32 to eiect the regulation of the temperatureA or pressure in the retort chamber, as will be further pointed out. The nozzle 32 communicates through capillary 33 with a. pilot valve mechanism 34 shown in section in Fig. 4. There is included within the pilot valve mechanism a capsular diaphragm 35, which is provided with a contact plate 36. This plate engages a tappet 37 of ball valve 38 which in its normal position permits the ow of fluid pressure from the inlet conduit 39 to the outlet conduit 40, which outlet conduit leads to a diaphragm chamber in the top of the motor valve 41. This valve is herein shown as controlling the liow of steam through a steam line for the purpose of regulating the temperature within a retort or chamber (not shown) wherein an industrial process is performed. With the ball valve 38 in its upper position, the connection between the inlet conduit 39 and the outlet conduit 40 is closed, but at this time fluid pressure from the inlet conduit 39-passes through the bypass connection 42 and the capillary 33 to the nozzle 32.

Thus with the arrangement just described, when the temperature within the retort or chamber exceeds the predetermined set point for the industrial process under consideration, the expansible medium Within the bulb 24 flows through the capillary 23 to actuate the Bourdon spring 22. This spring, in turn, through the link 2l rotates the pen arm 19 toward the left on its pivot 29 causing pen 19 to indicate the changed condition on chart 8. The movement of the pen arm, through link 25 effects a clockwise movement of arm 28 which carries the baffle 30 away from the nozzle 32 with a consequent reduction of the iluid pressure in the conduit 33. The reduction of fluid pressure in conduit 33 results in the contraction of the diaphragm 35 with the 'consequent opening of the'ball valve 38. Valve 38, in turn, permits fluid pressure to pass through conduits 39 and 40 to the top of the motor valve 41 where it actuates this valve to shut off the steam 110W to the retort. On the other hand, when the temperature drops, the expansible medium within the bulb 24, capillary 23 and spring 22 contracts, and this spring moves the linkage system in a direction opposite to that just described, with the result that the upper end of the baille 30 engages the rigid stop 31 which swings the balle tightly into engagement with the opening in the nozzle 32. Fluid pressure through the bypass 42 causes the pressure in the conduit 33 to build up, so that the capsular diaphragm 35 expands thereby causing the tappet 37 to close its ball valve 38. In response to this action fluid pressure in the conduit 40 and the top of motor valve 41 is relieved to open this valve, thereby permitting steam to flow through the steam pipe to the retort or chamber. 'Ihe regulating mechanism just referred to, serves to maintain the desired critical temperature within the chamber during the predetermined interval or cycle of an industrial process.

The clock mechanism 5 with the partsactuated thereby, in addition, function at the end of each cycle as will be set forth, to cut off the steam supply and to introduce a cooling medium such as water into the retort or chamber so that the uniform temperature, which has been maintained in the chamber during the regulated cycle of the process, may be reduced to any desired value.

In an earlier part of this description it has been mentioned that the spaced 'arms 9 and 10 are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction by the clock 5, until the pointer 17on the arm 9 points to the zero graduation on the time scale 16. At thi time the arm 9 engages the projection' 50 on th trigger arm 51 (Figs. 2 and 4) which arm is pivoted at 52 and is held in the position shown by tension spring 53 against the fixe-d stop 80. This arm is provided with two outstanding lugs 54 and 55 which straddle a trigger 56 (Fig. l) pivotally mounted on the supporting plate. These lugs tend to move the trigger respectively in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. It will be noted 'that the trigger 56 when in its normal position, engages the free end of a pivoted switch support 57 on which there is mounted a mercury switch 58.'4 As is well known, vsuch a mercury switch usually includes a receptacle of glass or other insulating material through the walls of which 4two electric contacts (not. shown) are mounted in spaced relation, so that when the receptacle is held in one position, such as its normal position as shown in Fig. l, the mercury does not engage both contacts and therefore the switch is open. Howeverwhen the trigger 56 is moved counter-clockwise to disengage the end of the switch 57, the receptacle 58 swings downward to the left permitting the mercury to engage both of the switch contacts. These contacts are respectively connected to the insulated electrical conductors 58 and 59, which lead to some form of signal such as a lamp or a bell (not shown) and thence to a source of electrical energy (likewise not shown), thereby serving as an alarm or indicator to signal the termination of cycle. r

There is also mounted on the pivot 52 a bailleactuating arm 6l (Figs. 2 and 4) provided with a right angular extension 62 in a position to engage the baille 30. The arm 61 at its opposite end is provided with an integral extension 63 extending generally in a direction parallel to the extension 50. A screw 64, which freely passes through an opening in the extension 50 is screw-threaded into the extension 64, while the spring 65 surrounding the screw tends to keep these extensions in the maximum position of separation as determined by the adjustment of the screw. It will be understood from the structure just described that when the arm 9 actuated by the clock, engages the extension 50, thetrigger arm 51 through lug 54 moves the trigger 56 in its counter-clockwise direction permitting the support 57 of the mercury switch to swing downward into a position to make a circuit through the conductors58 and 59. Also at this time the arm 61 through its spring connection with the trigger arm 51,v is rotated in'a clockwise direction so that the extension 62 thereon moves the baille 30 away from the nozzle 32. This, of course,

results in releasing the .lluid pressure in conduit 33 with the result that the diaphragm 35 permits the tappet 37 toy open valve 38. Fluid pressure from the source conduit 39 passes through the conduit 40 to the motor valve 41 on the steam line causing this valve to shut off the steam supply.

It will be understood that when the timing arm 9 ismoved counter-clockwise to a position to actuate the baille 30 and the mercury switch 58 in the manner just described, the timing arm 10 is likewise moved upward until its set screw 65 engages the extension 66 on the baille-actuating arm 67, thus moving it counter-clockwise so that the baille 69o is moved into engagement with its related nozzle 70. Thus at the conclusion of the time interval when the baille 69 is brought.

into engagement with the nozzle '70, fluid pressure in the supply conduit 71 passes through the orice in the orifice unit '72 into conduit 73 leading to the actuating chamber of the motor valve 74 in the cold water line. It will be understood that the actuation of the valves 41 and 74 serves to cut off steam from the retort or treating chamber and introduce cold water or other cooling medium into the retort or chamber.

1. In a combined regulating and recording device, a controlling valve, a. clock, a chart support actuated by said clock, a stylus actuated'responsive to temperature changes and engaging a chart on said chart support to make a time-temperature record, a settable arm actuated by said clock, and means including a nozzle and a baffle actuated simultaneously with any movement of said stylus to control the operation of said valve, said baille being independently actuated by means including said arm at the conclusion of a giventime interval to effect an additional operation of said valve.

2. In a combined regulating and recording device, a controlling valve fora regulating medium, a clock, a chart support actuated by said clock, a stylus actuated responsive to temperature changes and engaging a chart on said chart support to make a'time-temperature recorda settable arm actuated simultaneously withsaid clock, means including a nozzle and a baille actuated by any movement of said stylus to vary the operation of said valve, said baffle being independently actuated by said arm at the conclusion of a given time interval to eiTect further operation of said Valve, a second valve for controlling a second regulating medium and means including a second baille and a nozzle for controlling the operation of said valve, and a second settable arm radially spaced with respect to the first arm and actuated therewith to operate said second baille.

3. In a device of the class described, a casing, a clock and an arm actuated thereby enclosed within said casing, means including said clock for moving said arm in one direction to measure a time interval, a handle resiliently connected to said arm and having a portion extending through said casing for moving said arm in a reversed direction to a predetermined set point, and means for limiting the movement of said handle independenly of said arm.

4. In a combinedregulating and recording device, a clock, a chart support actuated by said clock, a stylus actuated responsive to temperature changes and engaging a chart on said chart support to make a time-temperature record, a valve controlling the flow of a regulating medium, means including a nozzle and a baille cooperating therewith in response to any movement of said stylus to control the operation of said valve, a second valve, means including a second nozzle and a cooperating baille for controlling the operation of said second valve, and a pair of radially spaced arms actuated by said clock for respectively operating said bailles.

5. In a regulating device, a regulating valve, means including a nozzle and a cooperating baille serving to control the operation of said valve, an arnactuated in accordance with time for actuating said baille to eiect a closure of said valve, a signalling circuit for indicating the closue of said valve, said circuit including a mercury switch, and a trigger for actuating said switch operated by said arm.

6. The method of regulating the ow of a regulating medium into a chamber and regulating the ow of a cooling medium 'into said chamber while making a record on a chart of the conditionv within said chamber which comprises utilizing a condition-responsive medium to control the making of a record of the condition in said chamber on a chart actuated in accordance with time andto control the ilow of the regulating medium into said chamber during a predeterminedl time interval, introducing cooling medium into said chamber at the conclusion of said predetermined time interval, and employing a single time-measuring source to actuate said chart and to measure the duration of said time interval.

7. The method of regulating the flow of a heating medium into a chamber and controlling the ow of a cooling medium into said chamber while making a record on a chart of the temperature within said chamber, which comprises utilizing a temperature-responsive medium to control the making of a record of the temperature in said chamber on a chart actuated in accordance withv changing conditionI and the passing of time, a

valve controlling the flow of regulating medium,

means including a nozzle and a ballie cooperating therewith in response to any change in condition to control the operation of said valve, a second valve, means including a second nozzle and a cooperating baflle for controlling the operation of said second valve, and a pair of spaced arms actuated by said clock for changing the relation between said nozzles and their respective bales.

RAYMOND E. OLSON. 

